by Amy Brandt | Jan 14, 2020 | Ask Amy, Technique, Training
I am a competitive ballet dancer. Currently I’m dancing the third Odalisque variation from Le Corsaire and want to know how to master quadruple turns. Any suggestions? —Anonymous The first step towards mastering a quadruple turn is having a clean, consistent...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 20, 2019 | Ask Amy, Career, Training
I recently didn’t get a part I really wanted and have been rethinking my career choice since then. I just don’t feel the same excitement about dance anymore. I don’t know how to get it back or if—it feels horrible saying this—I should just quit....
by Amy Brandt | Nov 12, 2019 | Ask Amy, Health & Body, Technique
I have very tapered Morton’s toes (longer second toes). My big toe joints are about a half centimeter shorter than my second and third toe joints, so I have a terrible time finding stability on demi-pointe. My weight lands on that second toe joint, which is...
by Amy Brandt | Oct 9, 2019 | Ask Amy, Higher Ed, Training, Trending
I’m a college freshman, and my dance program isn’t challenging enough. We only have ballet three times a week and a few hours of modern, and my classmates aren’t as dedicated as I am. There’s a small dance company nearby, where I was hoping to...
by Amy Brandt | Aug 5, 2019 | Ask Amy, Health & Body, Wellness
I’m a dancer who is currently injured and unable to walk a lot. My physical therapist and my massage therapist are giving me opposite instructions. My PT believes that I should do her exercises, even if they cause some of the “bad pain,” and take...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 16, 2019 | Ask Amy, Training
Do you have any tips for starting at a new studio? How can I impress the teachers and make friends? —Jaclyn Being the new dancer is never easy, but hopefully you’ll be able to make a quick transition. Friendliness always helps break the ice, so make an...
by Amy Brandt | Jun 19, 2019 | Ask Amy, Training
I’m a ballet dancer of 13 years, but I only got serious about it a few years ago, and very recently realized that I might want to pursue ballet professionally. I’ve contemplated auditioning for several prestigious pre-professional programs. But now...
by Amy Brandt | May 16, 2019 | Ask Amy, Pointe Shoe Tips
I got professionally fitted and my shoes were fine in the store. Now in class, the vamp is digging into my foot in demi-pointe and the heel is sliding off. Is it the size, the width or both? —Mandi I consulted with Mary Carpenter, a professional fitter whose popular...